For Women’s History Month I will be sharing the stories that define and provide examples of women empowerment, uplifting stories of personal triumph and businesses that are inspiring and are making a difference for women. Women’s History Month is a declared month each year that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
I want to introduce you to Dawn Kamilah Brown, MD – Double Boarded Child & Adolescent, Adult and Sports Psychiatrist and Serial Entrepreneur.
Dr. Dawn Kamilah Brown (Dr. Dawn Psych MD), America’s favorite ADHD Expert, also known as “The MD with ADHD™”, is a double-board certified child & adolescent, adult and sports psychiatrist. She is the owner, CEO and sole practitioner at ADHD Wellness Center PLLC with two private practice locations in Texas with a growing virtual presence, offering online appointments and support. Dr. Brown is also the owner/CEO of Mental Healthletics™ PLLC and serves as the company’s Sports Psychiatrist for elite (and retired) athletes of college and national sports organizations. She also serves as a contract psychiatrist for 5 clinics; supervises 5 nurses in 2 states; and is licensed in 6 states.
Dr. Brown is a pioneer of the mental health movement, a keynote speaker, an internationally recognized ADHD expert and coach, a two-time best-selling author, Forbes writer, podcaster of “From ADHD to Amaze-Ability™”, an on-air/media-influencer, and professional mentor. She is the creator of the private Facebook community, ADHD Supermoms™, where she helps empower, equip and uplift women who parent children with ADHD, and encourages a routine rebalance lifestyle so they can be the best for their child. Her proprietary lectures under her Amaze-Ability™ Academy offer online courses and lesson plans designed to help people organize and optimize their life through the lens of mental health wellness.
Her is HERstory:
At age 6, I decided I wanted to become a doctor. I religiously watched PBS broadcasts of interviews and surgeries performed by 3 black famous neurosurgeons, Drs. Keith Black, Alexa Canady and Ben Carson every Saturday morning. I was intrigued by the brain and wanted to know everything about it. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon.
My mom, an educator, picked my teachers through middle school. I graduated at the top of my high school class, being the only African American in the majority of my classes. I graduated with honors from the prestigious university, the Xavier University of Louisiana, known for creating exceptional students to become top candidates for medical school placement. I was on a roll!
I performed poorly on my medical school entrance exam, which delayed my plan of starting medical school and led me to apply to a 13-month post-baccalaureate program. After completing the program, I was automatically accepted into medical school.
During my medical school tenure, I experienced multiple detours that resulted in tearful and sleepless nights, stomach pains, emotional frustrations and self-defeating thoughts. I failed my medical school boards 5 times over the course of 5 years. I didn’t graduate with the class that I was elected class president for two consecutive years and when I didn’t think my journey could get worse, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during my second year of medical school.
It was my mom who prayed with me, cited scriptures with me and reignited my faith and trust in God’s plan for my life while she was going through a countless number of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It was my mom’s encouragement, strength and love that helped me to persevere through challenges of medical school and walk across the stage to accept my medical degree as “Dr. Dawn Kamilah Brown, MD.” It was also a part of God’s plan for my mom to “see” me accomplishing my life’s dream, just like she “heard” me speak of my dream at age 6.
Two months after my graduation, my mom died on her 31-year marriage anniversary. I was emotionally devastated. My mom, who was also my best friend, prayer partner and cheerleader was gone. She became a beautiful Angel in God’s arms. During the final conversation I had with my mom she said, “Dawn because my life may stop, yours should not. I will always be with you.” I took those words to heart and I designed a new roadmap.
I was determined to live my dream my mom supported and prayed for. On the advice form an academic mentor, I completed an ADHD evaluation. I was shocked to discover that I had ADHD and it was preventing me from optimal functioning! After that appointment, I realized that there was much more to learn about ADHD, specifically, for my personal management.
With the assistance of my psychiatrist, I received proper management and noticed a significant and positive difference with my lifestyle. With God’s Grace, I passed 4 consecutive board exams to obtain my double-boarded certification in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. And after effective management and a better understanding of ADHD, it has become my superpower, allowing me to function at my best.
My journey from ADHD to Amaze-Ability has created a passion to inform, educate and support children and adults with ADHD and those who love them. ADHD is a syndrome of symptoms that present in all environments at different levels of severity that can either lead to failure, self-defeat, worry, depression OR it can become a superpower that supports an individual’s creativity, uniqueness, self-confidence and brilliance, leading them to be successful in accomplishing their life’s goals. This is why I’m devoted to my mission.
She is the Founder and CEO of 3 businesses ADHD Wellness Center PLLC, Mental Healthletics™ PLLC and Dr. Dawn Psych MD.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
To support, encourage, uplift, and align with other women who are where I want to be and others from where I’ve come. We are a collective entity of powerful influencers, game chang”hers” and leaders who have been previously delayed or denied the opportunities we are now creating and conquering, unapologetically. This is what women empowerment means to me.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I recall being an eager, curious, and very active child who was trying to “keep up” with the drumbeat of my mother, who had 5 times my curiosity, energy, and involvement. I always had the desire to help others and envisioned becoming a doctor at the age of 6 years old. Initially, I wanted to become a neurosurgeon but later in life, I discovered that a person’s emotional states, mentality and thought processes were more intriguing. I was known as a “teacher’s pet,” but now realized, it was not only due to my assumed likability, but also to assist with managing my undiagnosed ADHD symptoms. Teachers and other adult figures have continuously commented on how funny, smart and determined and I am, with an infinite degree of sociability. As a little girl, I recall never meeting a stranger and enjoyed being around others. I enjoy people, partly because I learn from them and feed off the energy from being around them. I am so grateful to my parents and family for prioritizing the importance of “family” and for teaching me the value of “relationships.” I played the violin for 14 years and was blessed with having the opportunity of playing at Carnegie Hall and touring with my orchestra in Toronto, Canada and in London, England. Playing a string instrument (and singing) not only allowed me to nurture my talents and gifts, but they also taught me how to become more disciplined and enhanced the creativity and artistic side of my personality.
What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share with someone?
“Elevation and progression come at different speeds and occur at different frequencies. Therefore, they should never be compared, only celebrated.” Dawn Brown, MD There is room for ALL of us and our success. Don’t compare your wins, 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺. “It’s better to be patient and get what you deserve at the right time, than to have what you desire when you are not ready.” Dawn Brown, MD Be patient. Your times will come and you will be ready! “Creating an intentional mindset is THE difference between having a dream and living it.” Dawn Brown, MD If you want to live your dream, be intentional about executing the results you desire. The power lies in your MIND.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I would like to be remembered as a Black female psychiatrist and influencer who changed the world of mental health by informing, educating and providing services and treatment to individuals and families, that allowed relief of mental illnesses and the fulfillment of mental wellness.
Have you authored any books?
I am a best selling author of the book, “The ADHD Lifestyle Series Vol 1 Building Balanced Meals & Exercise Routines for Children,” which is an educational and empowering guide for ADHD Super Moms who want to Champion their child’s ADHD by feeding their Amaze-Ability™ with a balanced diet, invigorating exercise routines and more. It is available on Amazon and on two of my websites: http://www.drdawnpsychmd.com and http://www.adhdwellnesscenter.com
What does self care mean to you?
Self care is not selfish. It’s having multiple “selfish moments” of prioritizing yourself so you can be the best for those around you. It’s knowing when to say “yes” to saying “no” and feeling okay about it. It’s catering to your needs and refueling your tank before you give all of your energy to others. and left filling depleted. It’s loving you FIRST.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
1) Expanding Mental Healthletics to provide curated services to more U.S. professional athletic organizations/teams and global networks
2) Look out for the release of The ADHD Lifestyle Book Series Vol 2: Organizational Tools & Simple Routines to Help Plan your ADHD Child’s Success, to be released in last 2021.
3) A collaboration with federally-funded entities to provide effective mental health services to school-age children
4) Additional seasons to LIVE with Dr. Dawn Show
5) More broadcast additions on the podcast show, “From ADHD to Amaze-Ability™
Find out more about Dr. Brown by visiting one of her websites or following her on social media:
www.drdawnpsychmd.com Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |LinkedIn | Pinterest | YouTube
Dr. Dawn Brown is a phenomenal mental health specialist. I enjoyed reading the article highlighting her and her many accomplishments. Thank you for sharing this article during Women’s History Month.